
8.
Why is it necessary to
be
ready? What will the servants who
are ready be doing, and what will be their reward? Matt. 24:42-47.
NOTE.—While it is necessary to "get ready" in order to "be ready," the time
must come when all true Adventists will be living in a continual state of pre-
paredness. It is possible to be ready for the sudden close of probation even
while further development of character is in progress. Surely the time has come
for God's people to heed most earnestly Christ's warning: "Watch ye there-
fore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at
midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly He
find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto 'all, Watch." Mark
13:35-37.
9.
How will the unfaithful servants reveal their unfaithfulness?
How will they be overtaken and rewarded? Matt. 24:48-51.
NoTE.—"That evil servant who said in his heart, 'My Lord delayeth His
coming,' professed to be waiting for Christ. He was a 'servant,' outwardly
devoted to the service of God, while at heart he had yielded to Satan. He does
not, like the scoffer, openly deny the truth, but reveals in his life the sentiment
Of the heart,—that the Lord's coming is delayed. Presumption renders him
careless of eternal interests. He accepts the world's maxims, and conforms to
its customs and practices. Selfishness, worldly pride and ambitions predomi-
nate. . . . He is found 'eating and drinking with the drunken,'—joining with
the worldlings, and partaking of their spirit. Thus he is lulled into a carnal
security, and overcome by forgetfulness, indifference, and
sloth."—Testimonies,
vol.
5, pp. 101, 102.
10.
What parable illustrates these two classes in the church?
What constitutes the difference between them? What are all doing
while the Bridegroom tarries, and what message awakens them?
Matt. 25:1-7.
Nom—That both of these classes are still together in the church when pro-
bation closes is evident. "But there is a delay. Hour after hour passes, the
watchers become weary, and fall asleep. . . . They did not anticipate so long
a delay, and they have not prepared for the emergency. . . . The two classes
of watchers represent the two classes who profess to be waiting for their Lord.
They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith. By the lamps is
represented the word of God. . . . All had lamps, and vessels for oil. For a
time there was seen no difference between them. So with the, church that lives
just before Christ's second coming. All have a knowledge 'of the Scriptures.
All have heard the message of Christ's near approach, and confidently expect
His appearing. But as in the parable, so it is now. A time of waiting inter-
venes, faith is tried; and when the cry is heard, 'Behold, the Bridegroom
cometh; go ye out to meet Him,' many are unready. They have no oil in their
vessels with their lamps. They are destitute of 'the Holy Spirit. . . . Both
parties were taken unawares; but one was prepared for the emergency, and the
other was found without preparation. . . . The great final test comes at the
close of human probation, when it will be too late for the soul's need to be
supplied. The ten virgins are watching in the evening of this earth's history.
All claim to be Christians. All have a call, a name, a lamp, and all profess to
be doing God's service. All •apparently wait for Christ's appearing... But five
are unready. Five will be, found surprised, dismayed, outside the banquet
hall."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 406-412.
r 101